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A missing heir. An out of sorts duchess. A Season in High Society that just became far more interesting…

London, 1891. With the gossip broadsheet The Society Page speculating that her husband is getting far too cosy with their female neighbour back at his country estate, Alice, Duchess of Stortford, is fed-up. And it’s raining! But when a flustered nobleman appears at her door, knowing of her reputation for managing discreet enquires, he begs her for help. His nephew, who is about to inherit an Earldom, has gone missing.

But the deeper Alice digs, the murkier things become. Why are the late Earl’s wife and his stepson so evasive? What really happened at The Carlton Hotel the night the heir was last seen? And who’s set to gain the Earldom if the heir ends up dead?

Aided by her loyal maid Maud, her quick-thinking footman George, and the ever-resourceful private investigator Ben Beaumont—not to mention a certain well-known detective with a pipe—Alice must untangle a web of secrets to find the missing heir before it’s too late.

The clock is ticking, the gossip is swirling—and only Alice can set things right.

A charming and twist-filled historical cozy mystery, An Heir is Misplaced is perfect for fans of clever heroines, upstairs-downstairs sleuthing, and mysteries with a touch of wit and warmth.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

407 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Helen Golden

27 books107 followers
Helen Golden spins crimes that are charmingly British, delightfully deadly, and served with a twist of humour.

With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces. Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.

Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.

If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.

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5 stars
173 (44%)
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135 (35%)
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62 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
945 reviews29 followers
August 30, 2025
Book 1, set in London, is a great start to the new series from Helen, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries. A wonderful historical mystery with strong characters and a good plot. The footman George and the ladies maid Maud play significant roles. A famous person from the era appears at Duchess Alice’s home. Helen gives us a timeline as events unfold, which is a great element in all her books. An interesting and very entertaining read.
Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lois.
1,166 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2025
I enjoyed the novella introduction to the new Duchess of Stortford Mysteries. It was fun and frivolous and felt in keeping with the period. Alice was refreshing and I liked the secondary characters, George the footman and Maud, her ladies maid, especially and I look forward to them reappearing in new stories. There was also a surprise visit from a very unexpected character, which was fun. It was, in truth, easy to work out what was going on from pretty early on, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. One of the best things about Helen's books is the timeline. Time appears to be very fluid in a lot of books and it's difficult to figure out how much has passed. You never have to wonder about that here.
983 reviews11 followers
August 29, 2025
A fantastic start to an awesome new series. I absolutely loved Alice and the introduction of Sherlock Holmes was inspired. Very enjoyable.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own..
Profile Image for Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey.
1,511 reviews71 followers
August 30, 2025
3.5 stars

I enjoyed this novella from Helen Golden and will certainly look out for ‘A Husband Is Hushed Up’
Alice is a determined young woman and I liked how she wasn’t afraid of using her position in society as power in a world dominated by men.
Her quick mind was evident in the investigation of the missing heir and I was impressed with her train of thoughts.
A fun mystery with some great characters.
Profile Image for Tanvi.
620 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2025
A wonderful start to the series.

I found the book well written with smart witty characters and a great plot.
2 reviews
January 31, 2026
What a wonderful introduction to the Duchess!

I found this engaging and often witty, with well-drawn and charming characters and a thankfully a bloodless mystery to solve.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,895 reviews137 followers
September 16, 2025
The first in a new historical cozy mystery series of books
With Alice, Duchess of Stortford, endeavouring into cases to look.
This time it involves searching for an heir
Who seems to have disappeared into thin air!

The heir’s uncle has asked for her aid
But Alice wonders if she’s being played.
With the help of her servants and others, too,
She sets off to uncover every vital clue.

What a great start to this series that’s new
A fun, intriguing read I highly recommend to you.
I really enjoyed reading it all the way through
And hope you’ll agree and read it, too!

For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
2,029 reviews147 followers
September 6, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'An Heir Is Misplaced' by Helen Golden.

This is the first book in Helen Golden's new 'The Duchess Of Stortford Mysteries' series and what an absolutely brilliant introduction to a promising new series it is!

Well, well, well Helen!!! It looks like you have created yet another absolutely fantastic, addictive and unique series!! Congratulations!!

YET ANOTHER HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!! IF YOU LOVE A COSY MURDER MYSTERY THEN CHECK THIS EPIC SERIES OUT!!

I must admit that after absolutely loving Helen's ' A Right Royal Cosy Investigation Mystery' series I was a bit dubious about how Helen could create ANOTHER series that could be anywhere near as good as that one. Well, there was absolutely nothing to worry about because of course Helen managed to create yet another brilliant book and an absolutely fantastic start to another promising series!! I should never have doubted her especially with all the brilliant page turners that she has created so far!!! Once you have read and fallen in love with this book then head over to Helen's ' A Right Royal Cosy Investigation Mystery' series which starts with 'Spruced up for Murder' and I can promise that you will not regret it!! Anyway, continuing with this epic new series, I cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book which is called 'A Husband is Hushed Up', is available on Amazon to preorder now and will be published on the 27th November. Another absolutely successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Helen Golden!! I absolutely loved this fantastic introduction to this brilliantly promising new series! You seriously need to grab your copy of this absolutely addictive page turner to find out just how good it is for yourselves and you can thank me later!! I promise that you will not regret it and the worst that will happen is that you will be hooked on Helen's brilliant, unique, funny and addictive storytelling. The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Alice, Duchess Of Stortford goes about her detective work working with her lead footman George and butler Pratt. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with drama, mystery, family, detective work. humour, fun and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. It does not matter where you red this book as Helen will whisk you into the storyline where you can check out the clues and follow the leads with Alice and the gang! I devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened!! With it being just 128 pages (kindle) or 124 pages (paperback) so classed as a novella Helen manages to pack so much in!! Helen's gorgeous and fantastic evocative writing skills and descriptions ensure the setting and characters all come to life at the turn of a page and I was gutted when I came to the end and had to leave some amazing characters!! I also love the fact that although this is a cosy mystery it also had me smiling and laughing a few times which makes it the perfect light hearted read!! If your looking for an addictive murder mystery with a modern Duchess then look no further!!

CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES, GET COMFY AND GET READY TO BE HOOKED ON THIS BRILLIANT PAGE TURNER!!

I absolutely loved meeting all the fantastic new characters in this amazing and fantastic new series!! They are all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. They became like friends as soon as I met them and I look forward to meeting them all again in 'A Husband Is Hushed Up' which will be published on the 27th November but is available to preorder now! I really liked Alice who is down to Earth and has a brilliant relationship with her footman George and butler Pratt, treating them more like friends than staff. There was even an appearance from Sherlock Holmes himself!! I am also looking forward to seeing if anything will come between Alice and Lord Harry Treeble, especially considering how Alice's husband Vance, Duke Of Stortford, treats her. It will also be interesting to meet him along with their children Harry and Freddie in future books. Alice is an interesting character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Duchess', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I would also like to add that Helen has added a list of characters in order of appearance in the back of the book which included some information on each of them. I found this very useful to refer to so thank you Helen for including this!!!

Another huge congratulations on yet another huge success Helen!!! If you are looking for a cosy mystery that has everything that you could ask for in a book and more then look no further than this fantastic new series!!! This is exactly why you are on my favourite author club! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!

Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you hooked throughout. A fantastic introduction to a promising new series!

#AnHeirIsMisplaced #TheDuchessOfStortfordMysteries #HelenGolden #HelenGoldenAuthor #DrewBradleyPress #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@HelenGolden @HelenGoldenAuthor @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

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1,311 reviews16 followers
August 14, 2025
A lovely cast of characters, including Sherlock Holmes, makes for a charming story and anticipation for Ms. Golden's next book. I'm sure it will be as mysterious as this novella.
Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
2,029 reviews147 followers
September 6, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'An Heir Is Misplaced' by Helen Golden.

This is the first book in Helen Golden's new 'The Duchess Of Stortford Mysteries' series and what an absolutely brilliant introduction to a promising new series it is!

Well, well, well Helen!!! It looks like you have created yet another absolutely fantastic, addictive and unique series!! Congratulations!!

YET ANOTHER HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!! IF YOU LOVE A COSY MURDER MYSTERY THEN CHECK THIS EPIC SERIES OUT!!

I must admit that after absolutely loving Helen's ' A Right Royal Cosy Investigation Mystery' series I was a bit dubious about how Helen could create ANOTHER series that could be anywhere near as good as that one. Well, there was absolutely nothing to worry about because of course Helen managed to create yet another brilliant book and an absolutely fantastic start to another promising series!! I should never have doubted her especially with all the brilliant page turners that she has created so far!!! Once you have read and fallen in love with this book then head over to Helen's ' A Right Royal Cosy Investigation Mystery' series which starts with 'Spruced up for Murder' and I can promise that you will not regret it!! Anyway, continuing with this epic new series, I cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book which is called 'A Husband is Hushed Up', is available on Amazon to preorder now and will be published on the 27th November. Another absolutely successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Helen Golden!! I absolutely loved this fantastic introduction to this brilliantly promising new series! You seriously need to grab your copy of this absolutely addictive page turner to find out just how good it is for yourselves and you can thank me later!! I promise that you will not regret it and the worst that will happen is that you will be hooked on Helen's brilliant, unique, funny and addictive storytelling. The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Alice, Duchess Of Stortford goes about her detective work working with her lead footman George and butler Pratt. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with drama, mystery, family, detective work. humour, fun and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. It does not matter where you red this book as Helen will whisk you into the storyline where you can check out the clues and follow the leads with Alice and the gang! I devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened!! With it being just 128 pages (kindle) or 124 pages (paperback) so classed as a novella Helen manages to pack so much in!! Helen's gorgeous and fantastic evocative writing skills and descriptions ensure the setting and characters all come to life at the turn of a page and I was gutted when I came to the end and had to leave some amazing characters!! I also love the fact that although this is a cosy mystery it also had me smiling and laughing a few times which makes it the perfect light hearted read!! If your looking for an addictive murder mystery with a modern Duchess then look no further!!

CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES, GET COMFY AND GET READY TO BE HOOKED ON THIS BRILLIANT PAGE TURNER!!

I absolutely loved meeting all the fantastic new characters in this amazing and fantastic new series!! They are all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. They became like friends as soon as I met them and I look forward to meeting them all again in 'A Husband Is Hushed Up' which will be published on the 27th November but is available to preorder now! I really liked Alice who is down to Earth and has a brilliant relationship with her footman George and butler Pratt, treating them more like friends than staff. There was even an appearance from Sherlock Holmes himself!! I am also looking forward to seeing if anything will come between Alice and Lord Harry Treeble, especially considering how Alice's husband Vance, Duke Of Stortford, treats her. It will also be interesting to meet him along with their children Harry and Freddie in future books. Alice is an interesting character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Duchess', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I would also like to add that Helen has added a list of characters in order of appearance in the back of the book which included some information on each of them. I found this very useful to refer to so thank you Helen for including this!!!

Another huge congratulations on yet another huge success Helen!!! If you are looking for a cosy mystery that has everything that you could ask for in a book and more then look no further than this fantastic new series!!! This is exactly why you are on my favourite author club! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!

Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you hooked throughout. A fantastic introduction to a promising new series!

#AnHeirIsMisplaced #TheDuchessOfStortfordMysteries #HelenGolden #HelenGoldenAuthor #DrewBradleyPress #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@HelenGolden @HelenGoldenAuthor @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

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https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
2,029 reviews147 followers
September 6, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'An Heir Is Misplaced' by Helen Golden.

This is the first book in Helen Golden's new 'The Duchess Of Stortford Mysteries' series and what an absolutely brilliant introduction to a promising new series it is!

Well, well, well Helen!!! It looks like you have created yet another absolutely fantastic, addictive and unique series!! Congratulations!!

YET ANOTHER HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ON YET ANOTHER PAGE TURNING SUCCESS!! IF YOU LOVE A COSY MURDER MYSTERY THEN CHECK THIS EPIC SERIES OUT!!

I must admit that after absolutely loving Helen's ' A Right Royal Cosy Investigation Mystery' series I was a bit dubious about how Helen could create ANOTHER series that could be anywhere near as good as that one. Well, there was absolutely nothing to worry about because of course Helen managed to create yet another brilliant book and an absolutely fantastic start to another promising series!! I should never have doubted her especially with all the brilliant page turners that she has created so far!!! Once you have read and fallen in love with this book then head over to Helen's ' A Right Royal Cosy Investigation Mystery' series which starts with 'Spruced up for Murder' and I can promise that you will not regret it!! Anyway, continuing with this epic new series, I cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book which is called 'A Husband is Hushed Up', is available on Amazon to preorder now and will be published on the 27th November. Another absolutely successful unputdownable cosy mystery by the very talented Helen Golden!! I absolutely loved this fantastic introduction to this brilliantly promising new series! You seriously need to grab your copy of this absolutely addictive page turner to find out just how good it is for yourselves and you can thank me later!! I promise that you will not regret it and the worst that will happen is that you will be hooked on Helen's brilliant, unique, funny and addictive storytelling. The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Alice, Duchess Of Stortford goes about her detective work working with her lead footman George and butler Pratt. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. It was filled with drama, mystery, family, detective work. humour, fun and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. It does not matter where you red this book as Helen will whisk you into the storyline where you can check out the clues and follow the leads with Alice and the gang! I devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down and gave up on lying to myself saying just one more chapter as that never happened!! With it being just 128 pages (kindle) or 124 pages (paperback) so classed as a novella Helen manages to pack so much in!! Helen's gorgeous and fantastic evocative writing skills and descriptions ensure the setting and characters all come to life at the turn of a page and I was gutted when I came to the end and had to leave some amazing characters!! I also love the fact that although this is a cosy mystery it also had me smiling and laughing a few times which makes it the perfect light hearted read!! If your looking for an addictive murder mystery with a modern Duchess then look no further!!

CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES, GET COMFY AND GET READY TO BE HOOKED ON THIS BRILLIANT PAGE TURNER!!

I absolutely loved meeting all the fantastic new characters in this amazing and fantastic new series!! They are all larger than life, realistic and a complete breathe of fresh air. They became like friends as soon as I met them and I look forward to meeting them all again in 'A Husband Is Hushed Up' which will be published on the 27th November but is available to preorder now! I really liked Alice who is down to Earth and has a brilliant relationship with her footman George and butler Pratt, treating them more like friends than staff. There was even an appearance from Sherlock Holmes himself!! I am also looking forward to seeing if anything will come between Alice and Lord Harry Treeble, especially considering how Alice's husband Vance, Duke Of Stortford, treats her. It will also be interesting to meet him along with their children Harry and Freddie in future books. Alice is an interesting character, very bubbly and certainly not your typical 'Duchess', she is absolutely unique as well as a very strong female lead which is a great bonus for myself being female. I would also like to add that Helen has added a list of characters in order of appearance in the back of the book which included some information on each of them. I found this very useful to refer to so thank you Helen for including this!!!

Another huge congratulations on yet another huge success Helen!!! If you are looking for a cosy mystery that has everything that you could ask for in a book and more then look no further than this fantastic new series!!! This is exactly why you are on my favourite author club! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!

Overall a fun and easy to read page turning cosy murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and humour that will keep you hooked throughout. A fantastic introduction to a promising new series!

#AnHeirIsMisplaced #TheDuchessOfStortfordMysteries #HelenGolden #HelenGoldenAuthor #DrewBradleyPress #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@HelenGolden @HelenGoldenAuthor @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
Profile Image for Julie.
2,656 reviews42 followers
September 7, 2025
Fans of cosy historical whodunnits will love Helen Golden’s enjoyable new mystery, An Heir is Misplaced.

Alice, Duchess of Stortford, is far from amused at the news in today’s scandal sheets about her husband and his new ‘friendship’ with their neighbour back at their country estate. In London where it hasn’t stopped raining, Alice is fed up and desperate for some adventure and excitement – which quickly ensues thanks to a flustered nobleman who – aware of Alice’s penchant for common sense and solving riddles and mysteries – begs for her help to aid him in finding his missing nephew – who is also the heir to an Earldom! Naturally, this is a challenge Alice simply cannot refuse.

As Alice begins doing some sleuthing, she is taken aback by the murky waters she has to navigate. The late earl’s wife and stepson seem keen to keep their own counsel and are very evasive about their whereabouts. What could they possible have to hide? What really happened at the Carlton Hotel before the earl went missing? And who stands to gain from the heir’s death?

With her maid Maud, footman George and private investigator Ben Beaumont, Alice vows to leave no stone unturned to get to the truth. But can she solve this case before it’s too late? Or will airing high society’s dirtiest secrets lead to her undoing?

An Heir is Misplaced is a fabulous Victorian mystery I devoured in one sitting. Written with Helen Golden’s trademark brio and élan, An Heir is Misplaced is a fun, witty, exciting and wholly satisfying mystery full of colourful and larger than life characters I found hard to resist. Fast-paced, unpredictable and deliciously readable, An Heir is Misplaced heralds the beginning of a terrific new cosy mystery series by Helen Golden and I cannot wait for the next installments!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for loopyloulaura.
1,554 reviews21 followers
September 26, 2025
1891, the Duchess of Stortford investigates a young man’s disappearance before he can claim an inheritance...
An Heir Is Misplaced is a novella to start a new series of mysteries. The series is set among the ancestors to the author's brilliant Lady Bea series.
Being a novella means that the book is very short. However, it fully introduces us to the new setting and characters and I was instantly immersed in the Duchess' world. It has the familiar tone of the Lady Bea series but with the added historical dimension.
Alice is the unhappily married Duchess of Stortford, a member of the royal family. Another high ranking family is facing an inheritance crisis and Alice agrees to help when an heir goes missing. She is ably assisted by her maid and footman and I loved these reciprocally respectful relationships.
I was surprised at the unexpected inclusion of Sherlock Holmes as a real person. This felt a little off to me but worked within the plot context and I'd be keen to see if this continues and how it develops.
Alice is a brilliant lead character and there is plenty of potential for exploring her personal dynamics (particularly her relationships with her husband, children and the rest of the royal family) as well as further mysteries.
An Heir Is Misplaced is an excellent start to a new series and I can't wait to read more!
479 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2025
So I checked twice that this was indeed the first book in the series as all of the key relationships are already established. Based on so much backstory, it seemed that two other novels could have been written already. Instead of showing relationships being established and growing into them, we already have a female lead in a troubled marriage, a whole host of characters barely described with some similar names, an already cozy relationship with a private eye, and well-established attraction to characters who may or may not be murderers. It just felt like too much too early. As for her sleuthing skills: it seems that our FMC job will be to primarily delegate tasks to others as to speak to herself in italics when putting clues and ideas together. Except really important clues and ideas…those get ellipses…and entire thoughts are just left out to be part of big the-butler-did-it type Scooby Do reveal in the end. The Bow Street Duchess Series (Cara Devlin) and the Beatrice Hyde Clare novels (Lynn Messina) have more wit, suspense, slow burn, pacing…you are getting the drift. There was a preview for the next book that makes it apparent there is no intention to redeem the husband. Not sure I’ll be on board for the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
24 reviews
January 26, 2026
An Hour is Misplaced

In the elegant drawing rooms of Victorian London, the Duchess of Stortford emerges as an extraordinary amateur sleuth, wielding her keen intellect and sharp observational skills to unravel complex criminal mysteries. Her distinguished butler, a former Scotland Yard investigator with impeccable connections, provides invaluable logistical support and insider knowledge. Alongside her trusted team, which includes a seasoned private investigator known for his unorthodox methods and a renowned detective celebrated for solving seemingly impossible cases, the Duchess navigates the intricate social landscapes of high society while pursuing justice. Each meticulously crafted narrative weaves together sophisticated deduction and unexpected plot twists, transforming traditional detective storytelling into a captivating exploration of intellect, class, and cunning. The series promises readers an immersive journey through late 19th-century investigative adventures, where aristocratic wit and professional expertise combine to solve the most challenging criminal puzzles.
127 reviews
October 5, 2025
ok

The pacing was quick, but there was little character development at all.

Progress in solving the mysteries in the story followed very little investigation and quite a bit of coincidence, where deductive reasoning was spot on almost every time, and details seemed to fall from the sky.

The writing is not bad. The characters’ actions are not frivolous, but there is little to commend any of them as none had much depth.

Reading the Kindle version, the “outline” noted there was 15% of the novel remaining; the story ended within four or five pages, which made it feel like a speed read.

Amelia is presented as being an intelligent woman, and I cannot argue otherwise… However, things fall into place with unnatural speed. For instance, in less than 24 hours “Charlie’s“ nanny is easily located after the boy and his family left for India 20 years before.

I will not be reading the next book in the series. This book did not have enough substance with character or plot development.
72 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2025
An Heir is Misplaced is the first in the new series of late Victorian cosy crimes, which introduces us to Alice, the Duchess of Stortford. The plot delves into the disappearance of a young man, who was believed to be dead, but who has reappeared to claim an inheritance. Alice becomes embroiled in establishing his true identity.
Could it be the influence of Sherlock Holmes who sets Alice's observations and keen detection skills to work in uncovering the truth, drawing on the diseases and illnesses of the period, which lead her, unexpectedly to the truth?
A really good, interesting plot with the strong lead character of Alice, although her marriage to a weak man makes us wonder how she can continue the relationship, a problem faced by many unhappy women during the nineteenth century. This story includes aspects of historical facts which brings a touch of realism to the story, and I am looking forward to the next instalment!
Profile Image for Marcia.
574 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2026
This is a delightful introduction to Alice, Duchess of Stortford and her household. As she navigates the intricacies of Victorian London while her errant husband hunts, fishes and otherwise occupies himself at Manning Hall, the Duke's country seat, she finds herself a bit bored with little to occupy her time. Fortunately her sister-in-law and best friend, Fiona sends a gentleman to see her regarding his missing nephew. Said nephew is the long missing heir to the estate and title of the Earl of Rivershore. Alice plunges into the case using all of her available resources and hijinks ensue.
I completely enjoyed the plot of the story as well as the characters and the vagaries of the era and highly recommend this series, having already read book 2, A Husband is Hushed Up. Give yourself the gift of a fun couple of hours and read this charming novella.
385 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2025
In this first of a new series, our MC seems to have fulfilled the highest expectations of others by marrying well and producing healthy sons (the obligatory “heir and a spare”) all while maintaining her social standing despite her husband’s rather indiscrete extracurricular activities.

However, as she is drawn into the challenge of uncovering who is deceiving whom and for what reason, her instinct and intelligence allow her to solve a puzzle involving an inheritance, a disappearance and the smuggling of priceless objects.

And, how delightful for an iconic sleuth to acknowledge her vital contributions to solving the case!

Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
179 reviews
July 22, 2025
Great beginning to a new series set in Victorian England...Our heroine








Alice, is a smart, intelligent married Duchess who likes to solve "little problems" that are usually a big deal.
We've already met a group of supporting players including Sherlock Holmes, her sidekick butler, and a "charming, Handsome man" that just might make sparks fly for this married women.
I love the feel of this story and our new heroine...she doesn't take herself to seriously and is easy to relate too...as are the rest of the characters...there is a twisty mystery to solve and I want to know more about these characters...especially the "charming, handsome, Man".....I just love him being introduced that way......
Good story, great characters....enjoy..
Profile Image for Kara Marks.
471 reviews81 followers
August 28, 2025
This is the first book in a new series, and it’s off to a great start. Alice is a distant royal in the Victorian era and not terribly happy in her marriage. She’s approached by a nobleman because his nephew, who is supposed to inherit his birthright as an Earl, has gone missing. Alice is “known to be discreet” and was recommended to him, so she consents to try to help. But the more she investigates, the more confusing the situation becomes. A private investigator becomes involved and so does…Sherlock Holmes! I love all the details of the time and everything rings true to me. I really enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it. I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
28 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2025
I love the first story in a new series and An Heir is Misplaced did not disappoint. A new mystery series set in Victorian England? Yes, please! Helen Golden introduced an interesting group of characters that I can’t wait to watch again in action. Alice, Duchess of Stortford, Aunt Cora, Countess of Dunmore, Vance, Duke of Stortford, George, Maud,and Mr. Henry Somerset may be the leading figures. When the heir to the Earl of Rivershore seemingly disappears, Alice is asked to help find him. The search takes many twists and turns, but finally Alice leads us to a satisfying end to the tale. Next book, please…..
1,018 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2025
I found this book very easy to read and really enjoyed it. The Duchess of Stortford has been asked to look into a missing person. He is the missing heir indeed. No one in England realised he existed and he was due to be at the family lawyers to stake his claim. His uncle had asked the Duchess to help as he’d heard she was able to help him. She asks her trusted private investigator for help and he brings Sherlock Holmes into the story, as he suspects the uncle is smuggling stolen treasures from India into England. The pair are recently arrived in England to claim the title.
278 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2025
Excellent read!
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Loved the characters in the book! Alice has a ready made sleuthing cadre right there in her staff who appear to have talents well above their respective employments. Aunt Cora adds a bit of spice and mischief to the mix for a well rounded cast! Interesting to note that Alice is related to Lady Beatrice the main character in Golden's excellent series The Right Royal Cozy Investigation Mysteries. This new series is as well written and enjoyable for anyone hoping for a binge worthy session! Great read and highly recommend both series!
17 reviews
October 20, 2025
This is an amusing short story, in keeping with the style and talents of the author in her other books.
Whilst the ending is understandable, it is not predictable and considering just over 100 pages, it does twist and turn nicely. Telling a charming story where the ending are nicely wrapped up.

I particularly like how it is linked to the previous books, through the location and the family, which is clever.
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3,124 reviews19 followers
October 22, 2025
This is a fun story about a missing heir, a Lady with a philandering husband, and a household unlike most, whose servants were decidedly happy with their employers. The characters are very interesting, the character Sherlock Holmes makes a couple of surprising appearances, and the inevitable shady person tries to pull the wool over the Lady's eyes. I enjoyed this story very much and hope there will be a new one in the offing.
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1,282 reviews
November 4, 2025
Although I love mysteries, this was not for me.
A fluffy novella where the titled female main character sits at home (most of the time ) and delegates the investigating to everyone else and her natural intuition is spot on every time.
of course there was also an attraction to a roguish man ( who I just thought was unpleasant) and the author even threw Sherlock Holmes into the mix!
Nope, nope and nope!
71 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
A rather fun start to a new series. I have read this author’s other series, and enjoyed them. The nod to the other series in this one is nice. The Duchess of Stortford has proven to be a great amateur sleuth! And she even meets a certain well known detective from Baker Street no less! Yes, I enjoyed mystery, did not guess the outcome. Will read the next book. Hopefully a dog will be play a big part in it. ( they just make everything better!)
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20 reviews
January 18, 2026
This is the first book in a new series by an author I have read many books by. It was a nice introduction to the new characters. I liked that it was connected to the A Right Royal Cozy Investigation Mystery series. I can't wait to see where this series goes next. Will there be a slow burn romance? Will a certain well-known character make another appearance in the future?

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
296 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2025
This was a really intriguing and enjoyable read.
I love the protagonist Alice, the Duchess of Stortford.
It was an unexpected delight to see that Sherlock Holmes was there to assist in the mystery.
I really look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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